Systems and methods for optically powering transducers and related transducers

Abstract

The present disclosure describes an optically powered transducer with a photovoltaic collector. An optical fiber power delivery method and system and a free space power delivery method are also provided. A fabrication process for making an optically powered transducer is further described, together with an implantable transducer system based on optical power delivery.

We claim: 
     
       1. A fiber optic power delivery system, comprising:
 at least one monitoring system; 
 at least one optical fiber; 
 at least one transducer adapted to be optically powered by the at least one monitoring system through the at least one optical fiber; and 
 a multi-functional light source connected to the at least one optical fiber and configured to a) support an optical data communications link between the at least one transducer and the at least one monitoring system, and b) provide light for a non-communication function. 
 
     
     
       2. The fiber optic power delivery system according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one transducer comprises
 a sensor circuitry adapted to convert an environmental or ambient signal of interest into a sensor electrical signal; 
 an electronic circuitry adapted to process the sensor electrical signal; and 
 a photovoltaic collector adapted to collect optical energy, convert the optical energy to electrical energy and power the sensor circuitry and the electronic circuitry with the electrical energy. 
 
     
     
       3. The fiber power delivery system according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one transducer is adapted to be optically powered by light at a wavelength of around 850 nm or 980 nm. 
     
     
       4. The fiber optic power delivery system of  claim 1 , wherein the optical data communications link is configured to transmit a signal indicative of a state of the at least one transducer. 
     
     
       5. The fiber optic power delivery system of  claim 4 , wherein the state is an active or inactive state. 
     
     
       6. The fiber optic power delivery system of  claim 1 , wherein the non-communication function is performing optical spectroscopy.